Another What Spec Elise to buy thread but with a twist!
Discussion
Hello Guys
I am intending to purchase a S1 Elise shortly and would like some advise from the experts on this forum please.
I am an Experienced racing driver and ex racing driving instructor looking to buy a track car for my other half. I intend to spend some time instructing her in the car and maybe potter around the odd track in it myself. The car will be driven on the road but from my perspective it is essential that the car is correctly modified for track work. Specifically the chasis, brakes and possibly engine. A decent Geo would also be essential. I would prefer the car to be as sharp as I could realistically get it whilst still being drivable on the road.
What model and mods should I look for?
Thank you in anticipation
I am intending to purchase a S1 Elise shortly and would like some advise from the experts on this forum please.
I am an Experienced racing driver and ex racing driving instructor looking to buy a track car for my other half. I intend to spend some time instructing her in the car and maybe potter around the odd track in it myself. The car will be driven on the road but from my perspective it is essential that the car is correctly modified for track work. Specifically the chasis, brakes and possibly engine. A decent Geo would also be essential. I would prefer the car to be as sharp as I could realistically get it whilst still being drivable on the road.
What model and mods should I look for?
Thank you in anticipation
How experienced a track driver is she? If she's relatively novice I'd say go for a boggo 118bhp S1 and learn to wring the most out of it before going for more power. If you want a bit more oomph then an S1 111S with about 145bhp. If she's experienced then maybe an S160? Or even go Honda power or Audi. All down to her level really 
I'm not worried about that too much as I have experience of instructing drivers of all abilities in cars of up to 500bhp. Mainly Gt3's and GT2's which are not the easiest animals to teach in. She has track experience in a 300bhp BMW race car so have no problems instructing her in an elise up to circa 250bhp providing the power delivery is relatively smooth and there is no lag. What i dont want to do is get involved with tuning an engine at a later date. If it needs doing I would rather buy a car with it already done. If the car has a big power increase I can instruct around it. What is more important for me is that the chasis has a good balance dialled into it via the geo, the brakes are efective, damping control on both bump and rebound are good and the gearbox ratios work with the engine correctly. A Limited Slip Diff would also be pretty essential.
I would suggest that from what you have said so far, it's dam near impossible to make a sensible suggestion...
my point being that a standard 118/135/143/156 Bhp S1 is just not going to cut it.
at which point, your into either highly tuned Rover engines (with all the associated costs/risks) or engine conversations.
probably best to suggest what sort of laptimes you expecting to achieve from said car.
my point being that a standard 118/135/143/156 Bhp S1 is just not going to cut it.
at which point, your into either highly tuned Rover engines (with all the associated costs/risks) or engine conversations.
probably best to suggest what sort of laptimes you expecting to achieve from said car.
What scuffers says ^^^ - and he knows a s
tload more than me so over to him.
One thing I would mention, and this is only what I've been told, no personal experience, but the engineers at Lotus will put forward a convincing argument that LSD can negatively affect the high speed handling of the car.
tload more than me so over to him.One thing I would mention, and this is only what I've been told, no personal experience, but the engineers at Lotus will put forward a convincing argument that LSD can negatively affect the high speed handling of the car.
Steve,
As well as Scuffers, Andy Walsh (carlimits.com) will speak your language. Probably the most widely used instructor by the Elise community and a successful racer, so well worth a chat. As implied so far, there are some chassis 'must haves' but as far as power is concerned there is such a massive spectrum of options from 118bhp standard to 400bhp+ Honda and Audi conversions that you will need to be more specific with your expectations and budget to narrow it down a bit.
As well as Scuffers, Andy Walsh (carlimits.com) will speak your language. Probably the most widely used instructor by the Elise community and a successful racer, so well worth a chat. As implied so far, there are some chassis 'must haves' but as far as power is concerned there is such a massive spectrum of options from 118bhp standard to 400bhp+ Honda and Audi conversions that you will need to be more specific with your expectations and budget to narrow it down a bit.
Steve,
It was me that took your OH out in my S2 at Brands back in SepT.
I realise she only pax'd and you didn't drive it but in case it helps the rough relevant spec. of my car is:
S2 111S with induction manifold and exhaust (c. 165 bhp)
LSD
Close ratio gearbox
Lightweight drop forged wheels
R888s
Nitron 1-way adjustable suspension
Uprated toe links
It was me that took your OH out in my S2 at Brands back in SepT.
I realise she only pax'd and you didn't drive it but in case it helps the rough relevant spec. of my car is:
S2 111S with induction manifold and exhaust (c. 165 bhp)
LSD
Close ratio gearbox
Lightweight drop forged wheels
R888s
Nitron 1-way adjustable suspension
Uprated toe links
Having had an Elise with practically this spec http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1357369.htm that would be my first port of call.
If it's in good condition, has been maintained well, and the map is decent, it should be a good buy for what you want.
If it's in good condition, has been maintained well, and the map is decent, it should be a good buy for what you want.
I'd be talking to Scuffers, Randy (Chris Randall), Steve Williams (SW Lotus) and Sinclair Motor Sport for starters (there's plenty of others too). All have experience in prepping Elises for racing and (given your experience) can offer far more sensible advice than most of us on here.
Worth having a look around on Seloc (you'll find all the above on there (apart from Scuffers
) and I'm sure you'll soon sort the wheat from the chaff.
Worth having a look around on Seloc (you'll find all the above on there (apart from Scuffers
) and I'm sure you'll soon sort the wheat from the chaff.Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff